Jarryd Hayne Dropped By San Francisco 49ers

Jarryd Hayne has been dropped by the San Francisco 49ers for their crucial NFL clash with the Seattle Seahawks.

There was speculation Hayne might be left out of the 46-man squad to play the Seahawks after he fumbled his third punt return in six games and didn't touch the ball as a running back in last weekend's win against the Baltimore Ravens.

The 49ers confirmed Hayne's axing when they announced, 90 minutes before the game, the Australian was made "inactive".

With the 49ers' season on the line in their clash with arch divisional rivals the Seahawks, coach Jim Tomsula has a choice of two experienced options at punt returner, Reggie Bush and Bruce Ellington.

Bush has been ruled fit after struggling all season with a calf injury while Ellington, the 49ers' returner last season, has made the most of his opportunities as a kick returner and wide-receiver.

The game at the 49ers' Levi's Stadium, set to begin 11.25am Friday AEDT, is a must win for the 49ers and Seahawks after both started the season with two wins and four losses.

Another 49ers rookie returner, DeAndrew White, was also listed as inactive. It is the first game, pre-season or regular season, that Hayne has been benched.